"It used to be more so than it is now. It's more physical and less technical now and I used to enjoy myself more, but I've always got my desire, otherwise I wouldn't be here.

"I'm desperate to play and when I no longer feel this desire, then I'll be the first to step aside. In 23 years, I think I've seen it all. I could write a book, and maybe I will do."

Francesco Totti is preparing for his 23rd season as a Roma player.

Totti hopes the final chapter in that book will be a positive one and praises Roma coach Rudi Garcia for the impact he has had since taking charge of the club last summer.

The Giallorossi finished sixth in the 2012-13 campaign but Garcia took the side up to second last season.

"He's a great person," Totti said. "He wants to do well and let's hope we can do so together. He did a great job in turning around what was a difficult situation, understanding immediately what the atmosphere was like here.

"My expectations are high and I hope we can repeat what we did last season. We want to do great, positive things, even if it's not going to be easy."